Temperature on surface of venus
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Surface Temperature on Venus
Extreme Surface Temperatures on Venus
The surface temperature of Venus is one of the most extreme in the solar system, with average temperatures reaching approximately 750 K (477°C)3 5 6. This high temperature is primarily due to the thick carbon dioxide atmosphere, which creates a runaway greenhouse effect, trapping heat and preventing it from escaping into space2 9.
Greenhouse Effect and Atmospheric Composition
The greenhouse effect on Venus is driven by its dense atmosphere, composed mainly of carbon dioxide, with surface pressures around 90 atmospheres3 7. This thick atmosphere allows sunlight to penetrate but traps the heat, leading to surface temperatures that can range from 500 K to 650 K depending on the atmospheric pressure and water vapor content2.
Temperature Variations and Stability
Despite the high average temperatures, the diurnal temperature variation near the equator of Venus is minimal, likely less than 0.05 K8. This stability is due to the enthalpy change in chemical reactions between atmospheric CO2 and surface rocks, which effectively dampens short-term temperature fluctuations8.
Historical Climate and Potential Habitability
Billions of years ago, Venus might have had a more temperate climate, potentially making it habitable. Climate simulations suggest that with a slower rotation period, Venus could have maintained moderate temperatures despite receiving significantly more solar radiation than Earth5 6. However, present-day Venus is far from habitable, with surface conditions that are extremely hostile to life as we know it5 6.
Conclusion
The surface temperature of Venus is extraordinarily high due to its thick carbon dioxide atmosphere and the resulting greenhouse effect. While historical data and simulations suggest that Venus might have once had a more temperate climate, today it remains one of the most inhospitable places in the solar system, with surface temperatures averaging around 750 K and minimal temperature variation.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Venus: Estimates of the Surface Temperature and Pressure from Radio and Radar Measurements
The average surface temperature and pressure of Venus are approximately 750 K and 90 atmospheres, respectively, based on radio brightness temperature and radar cross section spectra.
Was Venus the first habitable world of our solar system?
Venus may have been the first habitable world in our solar system, with moderate temperatures and a slower rotation period, and could remain habitable until at least 0.715 Gya.
Highly CitedWas Venus the First Habitable World of our Solar System?
Venus could have been the first habitable world in our solar system, with moderate temperatures and a slower rotation period, until at least 715 million years ago.
Highly Cited